Etisalat Egypt named best new carrier in Middle East and North Africa by international judges
Etisalat was selected by a panel of experts from KPMG, the Arab Advisors Group and Oliver Wyman, Dubai.
‘We congratulate our colleagues in Egypt on their successful launch. This award recognizes their efforts in bringing a new and high quality experience which has exceeded expectations,’ said Mohammad Hassan Omran, chairman of Etisalat. ‘Each of the operators in the Etisalat family pursue the same mission, to extend the reach of our customers. They do this through delivering the latest technology to meets the needs of our customers, whether they are businesses or individuals.’
Etisalat received this award as recognition of its tremendous role in leading the development of the Egyptian market and of achieving 1 million customers in the first 50 days of its operations. Etisalat has set a target of reaching 10m subscribers in Egypt by 2010, a market share of 30%. The company launches with the country’s first 3.5G network bringing rich multimedia content and enabling mobile business across Egypt. Etisalat Misr also brings mobile television, high-speed Internet access and video calling to the Egyptian market for the first time.
Saleh Al Abdooli, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Egypt expressed his gratitude for being selected the best new entrant that started operations this year. He said:
‘Being presented with this award reinforces our promise that Etisalat will change Egypt’s market following the start of our operations there. Etisalat is committed to presenting new and advanced technologies and services.’
Etisalat has deployed over 700 base stations across the country, providing 3.5G, high-speed data connectivity in over 40 cities. Etisalat’s license stipulates that it should provide coverage to six of Egypt’s cities in the first six month of operations. Etisalat has also successfully recruited 850 staff to service its customers, of which 98% are Egyptian nationals.
Etisalat won a 15 year, renewable license to provide both GSM and 3G mobile services in Egypt in July 2006. Etisalat owns 66 per cent of its Egyptian subsidiary, with the remainder divided amongst a consortium including Egypt Post, The National Bank of Egypt and the Commercial International Bank.
Etisalat has been presented many awards which has made the company one of the most admired telecommunications companies in the region.
The yearly Comms MEA Awards are organized by ITP, one of the largest media companies in the Middle East. The Comms MEA Awards were held during 3G GSM Middle East and North Africa which is taking place on September 2-3.
